Monrovia – A significant faction of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia has erupted in protest, demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Liberia Annual Conference from the Global Conference of the United Methodist Church.
This uproar comes in response to the Global Conference’s recent decision to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy and to allow ministers to officiate same-sex weddings.
The Global United Methodist Church’s landmark decision was made during a general conference held in the United States in May 2024. In a contentious vote, 692 delegates supported the repeal, while 51 stood in favor of maintaining the ban.
This move has sparked intense debate and division within the global Methodist community, particularly in regions where traditional and conservative values hold sway.
In Liberia, the reaction has been swift and vehement. Protestors argue that the decision of the Global Conference is a blatant affront to the Christian doctrine and the deeply rooted traditional values of the Methodist community in Liberia.
They assert that holy matrimony, as a sacred institution of divine origin, unequivocally designates homosexuality as sinful. Therefore, they argue, United Methodists in Liberia must not endorse or accommodate such practices.
Despite the protests, the United Methodist Church in Liberia has yet to issue an official stance on the Global Conference’s decision. Reports suggest that there might be a move towards regionalization, allowing different regions to practice worship in a manner consistent with their cultural contexts while still remaining part of the broader Methodist Church.
This proposed regionalization implies a form of compromise where cultural and doctrinal autonomy would be respected within the global unity of the church.
However, the aggrieved members of the Liberian Methodist community are not placated by these suggestions. They view the position of the Global Conference as not just a theological misstep but as a profound cultural and spiritual violation. Their protests underscore a deep-seated belief that the principles guiding the church should remain unaltered by contemporary social pressures.
“The holy matrimony is a sacred covenant, ordained by God, and it clearly defines the union between a man and a woman,” said one protestor. “To alter this divine ordinance is to succumb to worldly influences that stray from the true teachings of Christianity. We cannot stand by while our church compromises its core values.”
The internal strife within the UMC in Liberia highlights a broader conflict that many religious organizations face in balancing traditional beliefs with evolving societal norms. For many Liberian Methodists, the decision of the Global Conference represents a slippery slope towards eroding long-held religious doctrines in favor of modern, liberal ideologies.
This clash has placed the Liberian Methodist leadership in a precarious position. On one hand, they must navigate the growing discontent among their congregants who feel betrayed by the decision. On the other hand, they must consider the implications of breaking away from the Global Methodist Church, a move that could lead to significant ecclesiastical and administrative upheaval.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the United Methodist Church in Liberia will address the mounting pressure from its members. Will they opt for regionalization as a means of compromise, or will they heed the call for a complete severance from the Global Conference?
One thing is certain: the decision made in the coming weeks will not only determine the future direction of the United Methodist Church in Liberia but could also set a precedent for how other conservative regions within the global Methodist community respond to similar challenges.
The unfolding situation serves as a critical reminder of the complexities and tensions that arise when global religious institutions confront issues of doctrine and inclusivity. As the world watches, the United Methodist Church in Liberia stands at a crossroads, grappling with a decision that could redefine its identity for generations to come.
